Costa makes a splash in Gulf

Costa Cruises plans to sail in the Gulf this season with a brilliant ship called Costa Toscana, which offers 2–5-night itineraries, including destinations like Qatar and Oman. Leena Brahme, Business Head India, Sharaf Travel  – the official representatives of Costa Cruises in India, shares details on the cruise line’s focus areas.

Hazel Jain

Costa Cruises left a lasting impression on Indian travellers when it departed from local shores two years ago. Now, with the brand expanding its presence through official representatives like the Sharaf Group, its reach continues to grow. Fully Independent Travellers (FITs) are increasingly drawn to its offerings, while corporate clients are taking note of its distinctive destinations.

Leena Brahme, Business Head India, Sharaf Travel, says, “As official representatives of Costa Cruises in India, our vision at Sharaf Travel India is to ensure the optics are correctly placed. Costa Cruises is making a splash in the Gulf this season with a brilliant ship called Costa Toscana.”

It offers itineraries between two nights and five nights, which includes destinations like Qatar and Oman. Sailings for two nights begin from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and for five nights from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Another jewel in the crown is sailings to northern Europe on Costa Diadema, which offers the experience of pristine cruising at affordable prices with Italian hospitality.

Focus on Gen Z & corporates

Sharaf Travel is currently promoting Costa’s amazing offering called ‘Sea Destinations’ — an all-inclusive concept that includes iconic parties of the port that the ship calls at to replicate them on board. “Corporates are also on our radar as Costa’s name is well recognised today. FITs are flowing in, and corporates are noticing the uniqueness of destinations like Northern Europe on Costa Diadema. Blissful cruising into the Norwegian fjords is still ticking the boxes for hosting events, rewards and recognition or an incentive trip,” Brahme adds.

Costa also offers Kids Cruise Free on all their sailings with only tax components applicable.

Europe takes the cake

Brahme is certain that the cruise market will grow as India and Sharaf Travel lay the keel for better working conditions conducive for cruise lines to either homeport or call at Indian shores regularly. “The bridge that we would like to fill is bring in more awareness
to the end-consumers.”